Signal Processing Engineer
Actalent, huntsville, al, United States
Job Title: Signal Processing Engineer - Communications
Job Description
This on-site Signal Processing Engineer role in Huntsville, AL focuses on advanced communications, electronic warfare, and RF signal processing to solve complex, physics-based problems. You will develop and analyze signal processing algorithms, assess datalink vulnerabilities, and contribute to communications architectures that support next-generation UAS platforms and middleware. This position requires a an active Secret security clearance and offers the opportunity to work on exciting, future-focused technologies with potential clearance upgrade to Top Secret.
Responsibilities
+ Design, develop, and implement digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms for communications and electronic warfare applications.
+ Perform analysis and development of RF, EW, and datalink/communication systems with a strong physics-based approach.
+ Develop, optimize, and maintain MATLAB code, including object-oriented MATLAB programming, to model, simulate, and analyze complex waveforms and RF systems.
+ Apply communications waveform modulation theory and spread low-probability-of-detection (LPD) waveform techniques to enhance system performance and survivability.
+ Conduct signal detection analysis, including cyclo-stationary feature analysis, to identify, classify, and characterize signals in contested and congested environments.
+ Contribute to the design and assessment of anti-jam techniques, including jamming and deception concepts, and evaluate their impact on waveform performance and signal reception.
+ Support the development and evaluation of data links, including networked, multi-access, common, and digital links, and perform link budget and related RF performance analyses.
+ Work with EW detectors and jammers to evaluate and improve electronic attack (EA) and electronic support (ES) capabilities.
+ Use tools such as FFT/IFFT, filtering, detection theory, and Kalman-based techniques to process, analyze, and interpret electromagnetic signals.
+ Collaborate with cross-functional teams working at the intersection of RF, EW, and datalinks/communications to support UAS platform middleware and related systems.
+ Optimize existing code bases by applying techniques to improve computational efficiency, scalability, and maintainability.
+ Apply a strong understanding of physics, electromagnetics, and RF concepts to guide system design and trade studies.
+ Document designs, algorithms, analysis results, and test findings clearly and thoroughly for internal and external stakeholders.
+ Participate in technical discussions and design reviews, providing subject matter expertise in signal processing, communications engineering, and electronic warfare.
Essential Skills
+ Active Secret security clearance and US citizenship.
+ 2-10 years of technical experience in RF, electronic warfare, and datalinks/communications in a physics-based context.
+ Experience solving problems and building solutions in signal processing, communications engineering, or electronic warfare.
+ Strong proficiency in MATLAB, including the ability to program in a MATLAB suite and perform object-oriented MATLAB programming.
+ Hands-on experience with digital signal processing (DSP) for RF and communications systems.
+ Solid understanding of RF concepts, electromagnetic signals, and frequency-domain analysis.
+ Experience with communications waveform modulation theory and spread low-probability-of-detection (LPD) waveforms.
+ Knowledge of signal detection theory and cyclo-stationary feature analysis.
+ Experience with data links, including networked, multi-access, common, or digital data links.
+ Experience with EW detectors and jammers and their application in electronic warfare scenarios.
+ Ability to develop and implement algorithms for RF, EW, and communications applications.
+ Proficiency with core DSP techniques such as FFT, IFFT, filtering, and detection.
+ Strong understanding of physics as it applies to RF, electromagnetics, and signal propagation.
+ Experience working with digital waveforms and assessing their performance and vulnerability to jamming and interference.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
+ Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field such as Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
+ Experience with EMSO, SIGINT, COMINT, ELINT, or FISINT concepts and systems.
+ Familiarity with jamming and deception techniques and their impact on communications systems.
+ Exposure to EW pods and related systems such as EA pods, NGJ, ALQ-99, or ALQ-131.
+ Understanding of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) considerations in RF system design.
+ Experience performing link budget analysis for RF and datalink systems.
+ Familiarity with active electronically scanned arrays (AESA) and modern RF front-end architectures.
+ Experience working with UAS/UAV platforms, data links, and associated middleware.
+ Programming experience in Linux environments using languages such as Python and Bash.
+ Background in algorithm development for RF, EW, or communications applications, including detection, estimation, and tracking (e.g., Kalman-based methods).
+ Interest in and aptitude for working on cutting-edge, future-oriented defense and aerospace technologies.
+ Ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts, such as waveform behavior and anti-jamming techniques, to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Work Environment
This role is fully on site in Huntsville, AL, working at Redstone Arsenal in a secure but non-SCIF environment that requires an active Secret clearance. You will operate at the intersection of RF, electronic warfare, and datalinks/communications, supporting UAS platform middleware and advanced signal processing capabilities. The environment is technically challenging and fast-paced, with a focus on exciting, enjoyable work that prepares you for the technologies and missions of the future. You will work hands-on with MATLAB and other engineering tools in a collaborative setting alongside other RF, EW, and communications engineers. The position offers the potential for clearance upgrade to Top Secret as program needs evolve. Standard professional engineering attire is appropriate for this setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Huntsville, AL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $ - $ /yr.
- Generous 401k program with company contributions and profit-sharing - Multiple investment options - Comprehensive Health Insurance - Company-Paid Dental and Vision - Life and AD&D Insurance - Flexible PTO - Holiday Flex Program - General Paid Maternity Leave
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
+ Hiring diverse talent
+ Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
+ Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
+ Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
Job Description
This on-site Signal Processing Engineer role in Huntsville, AL focuses on advanced communications, electronic warfare, and RF signal processing to solve complex, physics-based problems. You will develop and analyze signal processing algorithms, assess datalink vulnerabilities, and contribute to communications architectures that support next-generation UAS platforms and middleware. This position requires a an active Secret security clearance and offers the opportunity to work on exciting, future-focused technologies with potential clearance upgrade to Top Secret.
Responsibilities
+ Design, develop, and implement digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms for communications and electronic warfare applications.
+ Perform analysis and development of RF, EW, and datalink/communication systems with a strong physics-based approach.
+ Develop, optimize, and maintain MATLAB code, including object-oriented MATLAB programming, to model, simulate, and analyze complex waveforms and RF systems.
+ Apply communications waveform modulation theory and spread low-probability-of-detection (LPD) waveform techniques to enhance system performance and survivability.
+ Conduct signal detection analysis, including cyclo-stationary feature analysis, to identify, classify, and characterize signals in contested and congested environments.
+ Contribute to the design and assessment of anti-jam techniques, including jamming and deception concepts, and evaluate their impact on waveform performance and signal reception.
+ Support the development and evaluation of data links, including networked, multi-access, common, and digital links, and perform link budget and related RF performance analyses.
+ Work with EW detectors and jammers to evaluate and improve electronic attack (EA) and electronic support (ES) capabilities.
+ Use tools such as FFT/IFFT, filtering, detection theory, and Kalman-based techniques to process, analyze, and interpret electromagnetic signals.
+ Collaborate with cross-functional teams working at the intersection of RF, EW, and datalinks/communications to support UAS platform middleware and related systems.
+ Optimize existing code bases by applying techniques to improve computational efficiency, scalability, and maintainability.
+ Apply a strong understanding of physics, electromagnetics, and RF concepts to guide system design and trade studies.
+ Document designs, algorithms, analysis results, and test findings clearly and thoroughly for internal and external stakeholders.
+ Participate in technical discussions and design reviews, providing subject matter expertise in signal processing, communications engineering, and electronic warfare.
Essential Skills
+ Active Secret security clearance and US citizenship.
+ 2-10 years of technical experience in RF, electronic warfare, and datalinks/communications in a physics-based context.
+ Experience solving problems and building solutions in signal processing, communications engineering, or electronic warfare.
+ Strong proficiency in MATLAB, including the ability to program in a MATLAB suite and perform object-oriented MATLAB programming.
+ Hands-on experience with digital signal processing (DSP) for RF and communications systems.
+ Solid understanding of RF concepts, electromagnetic signals, and frequency-domain analysis.
+ Experience with communications waveform modulation theory and spread low-probability-of-detection (LPD) waveforms.
+ Knowledge of signal detection theory and cyclo-stationary feature analysis.
+ Experience with data links, including networked, multi-access, common, or digital data links.
+ Experience with EW detectors and jammers and their application in electronic warfare scenarios.
+ Ability to develop and implement algorithms for RF, EW, and communications applications.
+ Proficiency with core DSP techniques such as FFT, IFFT, filtering, and detection.
+ Strong understanding of physics as it applies to RF, electromagnetics, and signal propagation.
+ Experience working with digital waveforms and assessing their performance and vulnerability to jamming and interference.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
+ Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field such as Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
+ Experience with EMSO, SIGINT, COMINT, ELINT, or FISINT concepts and systems.
+ Familiarity with jamming and deception techniques and their impact on communications systems.
+ Exposure to EW pods and related systems such as EA pods, NGJ, ALQ-99, or ALQ-131.
+ Understanding of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) considerations in RF system design.
+ Experience performing link budget analysis for RF and datalink systems.
+ Familiarity with active electronically scanned arrays (AESA) and modern RF front-end architectures.
+ Experience working with UAS/UAV platforms, data links, and associated middleware.
+ Programming experience in Linux environments using languages such as Python and Bash.
+ Background in algorithm development for RF, EW, or communications applications, including detection, estimation, and tracking (e.g., Kalman-based methods).
+ Interest in and aptitude for working on cutting-edge, future-oriented defense and aerospace technologies.
+ Ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts, such as waveform behavior and anti-jamming techniques, to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Work Environment
This role is fully on site in Huntsville, AL, working at Redstone Arsenal in a secure but non-SCIF environment that requires an active Secret clearance. You will operate at the intersection of RF, electronic warfare, and datalinks/communications, supporting UAS platform middleware and advanced signal processing capabilities. The environment is technically challenging and fast-paced, with a focus on exciting, enjoyable work that prepares you for the technologies and missions of the future. You will work hands-on with MATLAB and other engineering tools in a collaborative setting alongside other RF, EW, and communications engineers. The position offers the potential for clearance upgrade to Top Secret as program needs evolve. Standard professional engineering attire is appropriate for this setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Huntsville, AL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $ - $ /yr.
- Generous 401k program with company contributions and profit-sharing - Multiple investment options - Comprehensive Health Insurance - Company-Paid Dental and Vision - Life and AD&D Insurance - Flexible PTO - Holiday Flex Program - General Paid Maternity Leave
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
+ Hiring diverse talent
+ Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
+ Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
+ Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.